Beeyoutiful - Miracle Skin Salve & Lip Balm

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, but we can often be so careless in the way we treat it. These products are designed to not only help you protect and improve the health of your skin, but to do it without the addition of harsh and harmful chemicals and doubtful ingredients that can enter the body through the skin.


Beeyoutiful skin products contain NO Parabens, Formaldehyde, Petroleum derived ingredients or SLS Detergents. They are all manufactured in the USA using pure, all natural ingredients. No testing done on animals. All testing personally done by Beeyoutiful Staff and family.

I was sent the Miracle Skin Salve ($15 for 2 oz.) and All-Natural Lip B.A.L.M. ($3).  It couldn't have arrived at a more perfect time - winter!

Here's a description of the Miracle Skin Salve:

This delicate, summer-leaf-colored cream, full of skin-soothing, natural ingredients looks as healthy as it is. Spread on a dab of Miracle Skin Salve to treat:



• Cuts and abrasions (cover with a bandage if necessary!)
• Stubborn splinters (to help them work their way out)
• Insect bites and stings
• Inflamed and swollen injuries or bruises
• Painful hemorrhoids
• Diaper rash and tender bottoms
• Dry, chapped skin
• Minor burns
• Yeast-related rashes like eczema and psoriasis
• Cold sores
• Post-staph infection and skin surgery sites (to reduce scarring apply daily for 2 to 3 months).




You'll notice fast healing thanks to the miraculous blend of ingredients that moisturize and soothe while providing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory aid to skin irritations and injuries. These reliable, natural ingredients give Miracle Skin Salve its power: Coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, bee propolis, organic plantain leaf, organic comfrey root, organic calendula flowers, and essential oils of lavender and rosemary.


Coconut and extra virgin olive oil promote healing of rashes and abrasions. Coconut oil is especially effective for rashes caused by underlying yeast problems such as eczema. Olive oil draws in external moisture to the skin while allowing normal functions like sweating, shedding of dead skin, and the release of sebum. Its antioxidant properties also elevate skin health.


Beeswax delivers the delightful consistency of the salve—even in hot summer weather. It provides a light, protective barrier on your skin to help expedite healing.


Plantain has long been used as an astringent, demulcent, and hemostatic, effective for all sorts of insect bites and stings.


Organic comfrey root possesses amazing abilities to support healing of cuts and abrasions. And it's a comforting astringent for treating inflammation and bruising.


Propolis can be used topically for skin problems ranging from ordinary abrasions to eczema, acne, skin cancers, bruises, and burns to gum infections and advanced herpes in the mouth.


Lavender essential oil is known for its emotionally calming properties, as well as the ability to hasten healing of burns and minor cuts.


Rosemary essential oil soothes sore muscles and acts as a strong anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and inflammation of abrasions.



The Bentz Test Laboratory was filled with opportunities to test these products out.  First off, one of the "littles" (who suffers from bouts of eczema regularly) had a TERRIBLE patch of it on her small hand.  In fact, it was the worst I had seen in awhile.   Sitting on my counter was the package from Beeyoutiful... Hummm - let's give this a try.

I was amazed!  It really is a "Miracle skin salve" - 2 applications and the nasty, red and painful eczema was completely gone!

Next tester - one of my sons has always struggled with dry patches under his eyes (usually a by-product of a strep infection for him...)  So, when his eyes started looking red and cracked underneath - out came the Miracle Skin Salve.   It worked a miracle here too.  In fact, because of how soothing it is, he continues to put it on daily.  And, best of all - the all natural ingredients don't irritate the skin so close to his eyes!

By now, I'm finding all kinds of uses for this product.  I have personally been using it on dry patches of skin and found it remarkably effective!

The Lip B.A.L.M has also been in daily use (but, it's mine...and I'm NOT sharing it with them!!)  I love the light orange flavor.  It's lightweight and not too greasy.

Here's a description of what's in it:

Beeyoutiful’s Lip Balm comes in two soothing flavors: Peppermint and Orange. Each has common ingredients that nourish and heal the lips as they moisturize.


GrapeSeed Oil- high in antioxidants (procyanidolic oligomers and polyphenols) and linoleic acid which nourish, moisturize, naturally provide anti-inflammatory support, and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles! So instead of merely relieving your chapped lips, it is nourishing them and helping them look their best as well!


Shea Butter- also high in antioxidants, Shea Butter helps bring elasticity back to the skin, moisturizes, has natural sun protection, and helps bring healing to scars and wounds.



Beeswax- recommended by Mayo Clinic as an excellent choice for a lip balm, beeswax is high in germicidal antioxidants, possesses natural anti-inflammatory abilities, and has been shown to have antibacterial qualities. It gives body to the lip balm while providing moisture and cell restoration for your lips!

Essential Oils- (Either Orange or Peppermint Essential Oil)- Both provide refreshing flavors while providing their naturally inherent benefits to your lips! Orange is a refreshing, citrusy blast that helps to brighten your lips. Peppermint’s cool, tingly flavor will bring soothing refreshment to your lips on the driest of days!


I highly recommend both of these products (with kids, you can't afford not to have them!)  And, I'm not the only one - you can watch a video about Miracle Skin Salve online here.

Why not get a catalog and see all the amazing products Beeyoutiful has to offer?


See what other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

I was sent complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

Apologia - Who am I? (And What am I Doing Here?)

Last year, the Bentz Academy began our study of Biblical worldview with a new discovery for me...you know how I love something new!

We started the first volume in a series of four - Who is God? (And Can I Really Know Him) by Apologia Ministries.  We all have a worldview, whether we recognize it or not, and I felt a deep need to make sure that my children knew what a true Biblical worldview was .  What an amazing journey we took!

If you're like me, you probably associate the name "Apologia" with excellent science curricula. (and you'd be correct!)  But, they have so much more, all in the same stellar quality as you have come to rely on from their science curriculum.

This year, we were delighted to get an opportunity to review the 2nd volume in the series - Who am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?)  A Biblical Worldview of Self-Image.

The Bentz Test Laboratory all joined together (as we did last year) ages 2-14 to read this together. (I find lunchtime to be the perfect time - their mouths are all full, and I get to do all the talking!)   We read several pages, then discuss.  I have to tell you, this has been our favorite subject for both years. What I love most is it has given me the outline to intentionally discuss what the Bible says and what that means for us.

Apologia quality shines throughout this hardcover book.  Each lesson starts with "The Big Idea" and introduces the main concept.  "What Will You Do" covers learning objectives of the lesson.  "Short Story" tells a story with characters that your children can really relate to.  "Think About It" has great discussion questions.  "Words You Need to Know" covers the vocabulary used.  "Hide it in Your Heart" identifies specific Bible verses for your child to write in their notebook. 

All of this is integrated together in every article with interesting articles and learning tidbits to keep their interest.  "What Should I Do" highlights character traits and gives them tools to apply this lesson to their lives.  "Prayer" a section to acknowledge and thank God.  "Worldview in Focus" the final part of each lesson that intoduces them to differing worldviews around us. "What's the Difference" - lets them compare/contrast these worldviews.  They also continue building the "House of Truth" that they began back in Volume 1 - a very visual model of what they are learning.

This volume covers topics such as: Why are we here, what are our gifts, what about our feelings, choosing wisely, who do we represent, what is the Fruit of the Spirit, and what do you see when you look at yourself.

I love how Apologia has made this a very easy-to-use series - you can customize it to your family.  The Hardcover book ($39) can be used over and over. They have also added a beautiful, spiral-bound Notebooking Journal ($24), a Coloring Book ($8), and even an Audio CD ($19).  You can use it with all of the learning styles in your house!

This is one of my favorite finds of all time!  Don't miss the opportunity to intentionally teach your children what a Biblical Worldview is... they will have a worldview, so make sure it's the correct one.  I love having started with Who is God?,  moved on to Who am I? and I can't wait for Volume 3 - Who is My Brother? and Volume 4  - What on Earth Can I Do?

See what the other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

I was sent a complimentary set in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

 

See-N-Spell & See-N-Read

See-N-Spell Vocabulary & Spelling Quick Reference Guide

With just 40-pages in the See-N-Spell™ booklet, users can simply flip to the page showing the first letter (a,b,c, etc.) of the word, then scan down the page and copy the correct spelling.

• Identify the correct spelling and usage of 'sound-alike' words (homophones)
• Quickly determine the correct spelling of commonly misspelled words
• Verify the correct usage of these words

It's fast and easy to use since it is divided into three alphabetized sections:

• Most Commonly Used Vocabulary Words
• Commonly Misspelled Words
• My Special Interest Words

Why not just look it up in a dictionary?


The typical answer to this is "If I don't know how to spell it, how can I find it in a dictionary?" Other common answers are "I can't use those 3-inch-thick dictionaries", or "I don't want to take the time", or "I know what it means, I just don't know how to spell it" or "I can just use SpellCheck"

Ever hear any of those... I sure have!

The need for correct spelling and adequate vocabulary is not limited to English Literature and Composition courses...they are essential components of success in Social Studies, Science and Math as well as in the world of business.

YES - YES - YES!

Recommended for Grade 4 through Adult.  Just $9.99.

The Bentz Test Laboratory was excited about this resource!  I mean it - they get exta points for using vocabulary words in Coop writing class, and they recognized the value of this handy little book right away!
Each letter contains lists of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and homophones, all they need is the first letter.  Alliteration scores bonus points at writing class...  Imagine the possibilities with a list like this!!

We also were sent a

See-N-Read Tool

It's a practical reading remediation tool designed to help readers see, focus, and remember what they read. See-N-Read reduces word- and line-skipping and pattern glare (words appear to move on the page). Research-based and tested for users from Grade 2 to Adult. Just $2.99

I used this one on the youngest members of the Bentz Test Laboratory that are just learning to read.  What a simple concept, but it works so well! A handy sized plastic tool to lay on the page.  A clear line where they are reading, while the rest is grayed out. So easy to keep them in the right place!

The right tools make the job so much easier.  These are two tools that I highly recommend you add to your "toolbox"!

See what the other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

I was sent complimentary copies in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

Math Rider - Rides Again!

Math Rider - a fun math game-

I have to say... this is one of favorites of all time!  You can read my thoughst about it last year here.

But, for those of you that are new to my blog - let me introduce you!

Math Rider is an intelligent math game that helps cement those math facts with all 4 math operations from 1-12. Each operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) contains four "quests", ranging from easy to master. Everything is automatically controlled, so that all your student needs to know how to do in order to play is key in numbers and hit enter. This makes the game easily played by kids of all ages. Recommended ages are 6-12.

The price is just $37 (a major bargain for all the tears and frustration you will avoid learning math facts together!) but, it is scheduled to have a price increase on 2/15 - so you better hurry!  You can have a free 7-day trial to check it out. They offer a 30-Day, 100% money-back guarantee, if you are not satisfied.

Math is NOT my favorite subject, and I am a die-hard-flash-card-hater.  So, how do I help them get those essential bits of information imprinted on their brains?   This is where Math Rider rides in to rescue me!  The Bentz Test Laboratory has been completing "Quests" for the past year, and I can tell you - this program works! 

Here's a shot of what being on a Quest looks like -

The math facts approach you as a rider on your mighty steed...you jump them by answering the equation.  So very simple, but so very effective!  The "intelligence" of this program monitors the facts you miss and sends them back to be mastered. 

A map shows your progress on the quest -

And, mom gets the feedback she needs to know - how is math fact mastery coming?!

Best of all - Purchase one Math Rider - and you can customize for up to 8 different riders.  You can add a little "sibling rivalery" and competition to their math facts!  (Properly directed, of course...)  Only one rider can play at a time, but you can compare their stats.  You can also load it onto 3 different computers (very helpful, in a multi-computer home!)


One of our ALL TIME FAVORITES!  If you don't have Math Rider, you should...what are you waiting for?

Why not check out what the other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here...

I was sent a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

Kinderbach Returns!

Kinderbach -

We were excited to have another opportunity to review Kinderbach as part of the TOS Review Crew (see what we thought last year here).

Why not let Kari Gregor (creator of Kinderbach) explain the program for you.


 Better yet, get your own FREE Trial!

Here's a sample of the PDF pages that are included with the program:

Kinderbach is so much more than just piano lessons...it's truly a music appreciation program for your young children - ages 3-7.  With the high cost for programs like Kindermusic, plus the hassle of getting them all out the door..., Kinderbach provides an affordable, effective and fun alternative!

It's a complete music currciulum - this is directly from their description:

"The KinderBach curriculum is a proven teaching method which gives children a solid music foundation, aligned with the MENC National Standards for Pre-K, that can translate to any instrument. Basics are basics and KinderBach covers them using language children understand. Youngsters will learn music vocabulary, note reading, rhythm, physical technique, ‘do, re mi’ singing, listening skills and music composition plus the joy in making music."

Their Year Online Membership* Access to all web lessons (over 240 sessions!) by computer, iPad, Android Tablet, Kindle Fire or Nook.

* Accompanying downloaded PDF activity pages

$7.99 a month - Billed in a one time annual payment of $95.88 (Great Value! Save 60%)
or
$19.99 monthly subscription - Billed monthly for a year (12 separate payments)


SPECIAL DEAL JUST FOR YOU! This coupon code gives 30% off any order - homeschool, classroom, online or DVDs. AND it is good for one year!

Coupon Code: TOScrew2012

The Bentz Test Laboratory loves this program!  My "olders" are all very musical, and have taken private lessons for years (yes, I'm bragging them up a little...they're actually quite good!).  But, all that investment has had a huge cost, both in dollars and time! 

Kinderbach allows us to introduce our "littles" to music at an early age, without the extreme investment.  And, you can't beat the convenience!  We can even use Kinderbach on all our "mobile devices" now.  (another use for that Nook...)

See what the other members of the TOS Crew thought about it here.

I was given a complimentary membership in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.